The Kabukiza Theater in Tokyo is starting 2001 with special programs to celebrate the succession (shumei) of Yasosuke Bando, 45, to the prestigious stage name Mitsugoro Bando X, left to him by his father Mitsugoro IX on his death in April 1999.
Endowed with talent and a genuine love for the stage, Mitsugoro was rigorously trained by his father Mitsugoro Bando IX, who learned his trade under the great Kikugoro Onoe VI, and after Kikugoro's death in 1949, under Kikugoro's top disciple, Shoroku Onoe. The new Mitsugoro was also fortunate enough to receive Shoroku's coaching in certain plays, and today still regards the late Shoroku as his mentor.
With his fine elocution and commanding movements and gestures, Mitsugoro can occupy an enormous space on the stage, imparting a sense of "bigness" to his acting. When he stops moving and is about to strike a mie pose, his slight body becomes filled with an inner force. The stream of energy runs upward and explodes finally in his wide-open eyes.